Architect sees work begin on one Merchant Square building, and receives planning for adjacent residential block

Work has begun on Mossessian & Partners’ scheme for Merchant Square in Paddington Basin.

This is the first design by French architect Michel Mossessian since leaving SOM London to set up his own practice.

He said: “This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration at Paddington Basin and the development of our practice.”

Building E is a slender structure comprising 260,000 ft2 of office space, with public lobby areas, retail facilities on the ground floor, and a health club in the basement.

The architect has also been given the green light for his design of the adjacent residential building.

The Merchant Square development, named to reflect the area’s former life as a trading point, comprises six mixed-use buildings.